Sliding Carrier Plates for High-Density Logistics Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flat chain-type conveyors are not suitable for high-speed and high-density object sorting in logistics platforms, as they require increased size and number of secondary conveyors, leading to inefficiencies and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
The design features a chain-type flat conveyor with sliding carrier plates that move transversely between extended and retracted positions, with sorting outlets arranged underneath, allowing objects to fall by gravity, and a control unit to selectively control the movement of these plates, eliminating the need for secondary conveyors and enhancing sorting speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sliding link chain conveyors are used for object sorting, then reliability in conveying objects is improved, but sorting speed and density are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier plates are made dynamically movable between extended and retracted positions. During conveying, plates extend to support objects reliably. During sorting, plates retract to allow objects to drop into outlets. This dynamic transformation enables the system to achieve both high reliability in conveying and high speed in sorting.
2Productivity
If the number of sorting outlets increases to handle more objects, then sorting capacity is improved, but conveyor size becomes too large
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a horizontal sorting arrangement to a vertical one. Objects are conveyed horizontally on extended carrier plates, then the plates retract vertically to allow objects to drop into sorting outlets positioned underneath. This vertical dimension enables multiple sorting outlets to be arranged in a compact space without increasing conveyor length.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier plates are nested within the conveyor structure when retracted. The plates slide into recesses or along guides within the conveyor frame, allowing the conveyor to maintain a compact profile while still providing multiple sorting outlets underneath. This nesting approach reduces the overall conveyor size while maintaining sorting capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sliding amplitude of links is increased to supply objects from all sorting outlets, then sorting coverage is improved, but conveyor size becomes too large
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor is segmented into multiple independent carrier plates, each capable of independent retraction. This segmentation allows each plate to serve a specific sorting outlet directly underneath it, eliminating the need for large sliding amplitudes. Each plate only needs to retract far enough to allow objects to drop into its corresponding outlet, reducing overall conveyor size while maintaining full sorting coverage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient and rapid sorting of objects at higher densities and speeds, reducing conveyor size and eliminating the need for secondary conveyors, thereby improving logistics platform efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
to create a vacuum above the sorting outlets and cause the objects to fall by gravity
Implementation Method 2
a 'comb' type stop on the chain designed to allow the sliding of the carrier plates and prevent the transverse movement of objects on the plates beyond the stop
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An object sorting device (1) according to the invention comprises a flat chain conveyor (3) (5) with carrier trays (6) designed to convey objects to sorting outlets in a certain conveying direction (F1). The trays (6) are mounted to slide along the chain (5) transversely to said conveying direction between a deployed position (PD) and a retracted position (PR). The sorting outlets are arranged under the trays (6) of the chain (5) one after the other in said conveying direction (F1). The trays (6) are arranged to slide away from the objects (2) when slid along, causing the objects to fall into the sorting outlets. The conveyor (3) includes a stop (7) designed to allow the sliding of the trays (6) and prevent the transverse movement of the objects on the trays (6) beyond the stop (7).